Embedded Files
Psst! We're moving!
Night, a chaotic and brutal battlefield. A fierce wind howled, dust and sand flew, icy currents surged, and weapons clashed. Ambushed, and losing the geographical advantage, the Flame Kingdom’s army was in disarray. Amidst the sky-high flames, arrows flew like shooting stars, whistling through the air towards her. However, Liu Yu’s unexpected appearance caused him to change direction without a second thought.
“Madam and the Prince Ding already knew each other?” Yan Chu feigned surprise, revealing a mischievous and slightly flirtatious smile. “I mistakenly took the Prince Ding for a gentleman among men, but it turns out he also sneaks around outside.”
Xiao Qi grasped the soft, jade-like hand on his shoulder, stopping her movement: “I was severely wounded when I was ambushed during a battle with the Mufeng Kingdom. Liu Yu saved me, and we knew each other before. Xi Luo’s condition was for me to only marry one person in this life. Liu Yu willingly humbled herself for me, waiting for a full century. She is not as unworthy as you imagine.”
“The story of the Prince Ding and the Madam is very moving,” Yan Chu said, “But since the Prince Ding already liked the Madam, why did you still agree to the Princess Consort?”
Xiao Qi was silent, his hand loosening powerlessly.
Yan Chu understood: “Because of the Yue army? The late Emperor was indecisive about the succession, and victory in the War for Land with Mufeng Kingdom was crucial. The Yue army was brave, and His Majesty and the Prince Ding wanted their support. Marriage was the best way.”
Forced to marry a woman he didn’t love, a man would always feel humiliated and resentful, especially when it was to gain the support of his wife’s family.
Yan Chu sighed: “How innocent was the Princess Consort.”
“In the grand scheme of things, many matters cannot be decided by oneself,” Xiao Qi said with difficulty. “I let her down.”
Yan Chu also seemed downcast: “To marry only one person—to agree to such a condition is rare for a man. No wonder the Princess Consort chose the Prince Ding. It’s a pity that General Yue and his son died in battle for this. And the Prince Ding’s heart belonged to another. If she had known the cost was so great, the Princess Consort would surely have preferred the Southern King, who had many wives and concubines.”
Loving him wasn’t worth it. Would she regret it? Xiao Qi nodded expressionlessly: “That’s right, I was negligent. Someone was mixed into the camp and swapped the secret letter, causing the reinforcements to be delayed. General Yue and his son met their demise, and she joined the campaign to avenge them. I failed her.”
Yan Chu quickly asked: “Who swapped that secret letter? Were they caught?”
Xiao Qi was silent for a moment, then said: “It was a Mufeng Kingdom spy.”
The corner of her lips curved, a hint of mockery flashed, and Yan Chu said softly, “Then, does the Prince Ding hope I am the Princess Consort, or not?”
“Of course I hope so,” his star-like eyes slightly brightened. Xiao Qi gripped her shoulders with both hands. “Xi Luo, is that you?”
Yan Chu did not answer, but asked back: “What if it is, what if it isn’t?”
“If it’s truly you, I will naturally restore your proper title.”
“And how would the Prince Ding settle the Madam?”
Xiao Qi was stunned, then slowly averted his gaze: “Liu Yu was bestowed by His Majesty in marriage and has already entered the household. She asks for little. I hope you can make room for her.”
Silence.
“Xi Luo?” The soft voice carried a plea, tinged with anxiety.
“I also wish I were the Princess Consort,” Yan Chu sighed, then smiled, “Unfortunately, I truly don’t remember.”
Seeing him about to speak, she covered his mouth at the opportune moment: “With your great revenge avenged, General Yue can rest in peace, and the Yue army has submitted to the Prince Ding. Why should the Prince Ding let the dead bind himself? If the Prince Ding still has feelings for the Princess Consort, Yan Chu doesn’t mind being a substitute.”
Around her waist, her sash silently loosened.
The wind blew in, and layers of thin clothing slid down to her waist, revealing more and more of her delicate skin, white as jade, smooth and enticing. Just by looking, one could imagine the touch.
With springtime about to fully unfold, Yan Chu paused her movements, her phoenix eyes glancing sideways up at him.
His star-like eyes gradually became hazy. Xiao Qi hesitated, his hand slowly sliding downwards.
The room was quiet, breathing clearly audible, and her firm breasts rose and fell with it, the cleavage half-hidden, half-revealed, filled with an irresistible allure for men.
There were no memories of that body. Xi Luo, Yue Xiluo, never wore such elaborate and luxurious clothes, nor was she ever so frivolous and emotional. She was accustomed to wearing loose robes to practice the Yue family’s sword techniques, beautiful in a clean and simple way. But she herself didn’t know or care. Perhaps that was why he was grateful to her and liked her, yet didn’t choose her. She loved him, but it wasn’t enough. If a woman truly loved a man deeply, she wouldn’t disregard her body and appearance. But Liu Yu did.
“Xi Luo?”
Finally, with a slight pull of his fingers, the last concealment was torn away. Her perfect upper body was exposed to the air, dazzling like an ephemeral flower.
Just as he was stunned, Yan Chu pulled her outer robe back on, “Has the Prince Ding seen clearly?”
Xiao Qi put his hand down and stepped back two paces: “I really... want to know if she’s still alive.” His tone carried apology, masking a hint of disappointment.
“Yan Chu has no arrow wound, disappointing the Prince Ding,” In a short moment, Yan Chu had tidied her clothes. All flirtatiousness gone, her smile was surprisingly dignified. “Yan Chu isn’t that foolish; I would never waste time on someone not worth it, especially after hearing the Princess Consort’s story. I am even less willing to stay here. Otherwise, with one word from the Madam, who knows how the Prince Ding might deal with me later.”
Xiao Qi said, “Liu Yu has always been kind, it’s just...”
“It’s just that women get jealous,” Yan Chu said, “Now that it’s confirmed I’m not the Princess Consort, will the Prince Ding let me go?”
If a bestowed gift was discarded so quickly, what kind of rumors would circulate? Moreover, Consort Ying and others were adept at fanning the flames. Xiao Qi did not answer directly, his gaze regaining its coolness: “It’s difficult to confirm based solely on an arrow wound. Perhaps my memory is mistaken, and the matter is not yet certain. For now, just make yourself at home.”
Is it already time to make the most of me? Yan Chu touched the maple leaf pattern on the window frame, changing the subject: “Was this the Princess Consort’s residence during her lifetime?”
The casual conversation eased the atmosphere. Xiao Qi looked at the green leaves outside the window for a long time before nodding: “She liked maple leaves. When asked why, she couldn’t even explain it herself.”
________________________________________
In just over ten days, rumors spread throughout the capital: the Prince Ding had taken in a stunning beauty whose appearance was strikingly similar to his deceased Princess Consort. The Prince Ding indulged her in every way, even neglecting his newly wedded wife, leading to widespread complaints throughout the residence.
With layers of dark clouds overhead, Yan Chu sat in the pavilion in the center of the pond, oblivious to the maids’ cautious demeanor.
Playing this role was certainly disadvantageous, even quite dangerous, for her. However, the intelligence channels around Old General Lushan were likely controlled by Yunze Xiao Qi. To find his whereabouts, she had to appear cooperative.
Xiao Qi walked onto the winding bridge, followed by a senior maid.
Yan Chu had restrained herself considerably these past two days and proactively stood up to curtsy.
“This is...” Before Xiao Qi could speak, the maid following him showed a look of surprise and delight, rushing forward to kneel before Yan Chu, “Princess Consort!”
Yan Chu looked at Xiao Qi in confusion.
The maid raised her tear-streaked face, reminding her: “Does Her Highness not recognize me? It’s me! I’m Hongye!”
“Her dowry maid, Hongye,” Xiao Qi signaled Hongye to rise. “This is Miss Yan Chu, whom I wanted you to meet today.”
Hongye was astonished: “Miss Yan Chu?”
Yan Chu also scrutinized her.
Realizing she had mistaken the person, Hongye looked incredulous, staring blankly at her for a moment before lowering her head and saying, “Miss’s appearance is too... similar to the Princess Consort’s, I couldn’t help myself... Please don’t take offense.”
Yan Chu smiled.
Xiao Qi said, “From now on, you will stay in Maple Garden and serve Miss Yan Chu.”
Hongye softly assented, stood up, and wiped her tears.
Yan Chu turned to Xiao Qi, “I want to go out for a walk.”
The capital of the Flame Kingdom, its prosperity needs no further description. Looking at the heavier dark clouds in the sky, it seemed like it was going to rain. Yan Chu calmly turned through a few streets, occasionally stopping to watch acrobats or enter a shop to buy a few items, which she had the two maids carry.
Behind her, four guards followed closely, both protecting and monitoring.
Yan Chu didn’t mind such arrangements much, continuing to walk forward on her own. As she reached an intersection, the sound of horse hooves came from afar. A royal carriage slowly approached, dozens of riders leading the way, majestic and solemn. Pedestrians and street vendors on both sides of the street quickly retreated.
“It’s His Highness the Southern King.”
Amidst the whispers, Yan Chu slowed her pace, turning her head to observe.
Just then, there seemed to be movement inside the luxurious crimson-wheeled carriage in the middle. A high-ranking attendant accompanying it quickly leaned his ear close to the carriage window, listening for instructions, while glancing at Yan Chu not far away. Immediately after, he straightened up and ordered the procession to halt.
All the passersby looked towards them, guessing what could be important enough to capture the Southern King’s attention.
After a moment, a hand lifted the exquisite window curtain.
Yan Chu’s face immediately darkened, and she turned and walked away.
Upon seeing the handsome face inside the carriage, the guards and maids reacted, quickly following her. However, in that blink of an eye, after turning the street corner, Yan Chu’s trace in front was gone.
________________________________________
Majestic cliffs, dangerous pavilions, flowing waterfalls—re-experiencing the world’s splendors made the ‘Eternal Realm’ seem even more desolate. Even with gentle breezes and beautiful sunshine, and spring flowers like brocade, there was still no warmth, only boundless loneliness like water, flowing with the years.
The white-clad envoy smiled politely: “The Master of Go sent me to pick up the young lady.”
“Thank you for leading the way.” Yan Chu nodded.
This was within expectations. A figure not belonging to the Five Spirit Realms but renowned throughout the world—since he had entrusted her with tending flowers, he would surely have made thorough arrangements for her to return on time.
As Yan Chu followed him forward, she casually asked, “Is Lord Xiling not here?”
The envoy said, “The Master of Go went to the Five-Colored Land and has not returned.”
The Five-Colored Land was the Land of Earth, not adjacent to the Flame Kingdom, and the two sides had little interaction. Yan Chu said no more. The envoy led her directly up the Go Cliff. The giant inscribed stone still stood majestically, but most of the flowers on the platform had withered, and new leaves adorned the branches. They walked to the edge of the cliff, the same spot where Lord Xiling had played the zither last time. In just over ten days, the short maple tree next to it had grown more luxuriantly, its leaves elegantly shaped and endearing.
Smoke drifted beneath the cliff. The envoy waved his sleeve, and a plank path appeared out of thin air in the cliff, leading into the depths of the smoke.
The plank path was no more than three feet wide, made of rough wood driven into the rock face and covered with bamboo slats. It creaked as they walked on it, and although there were railings for protection, it still felt precarious. Following the path to its end, they stood before a cave dwelling. Outside the cave, the rock face was covered in frost, and the icy soil was frozen solid, the cold biting to the bone. People of the Flame Kingdom were quite sensitive to this environment. Yan Chu shivered involuntarily, secretly astonished, having lived in the Eternal Realm for many years, she never imagined such an intensely cold place existed.
Entering the cave, her vision was immediately filled with white. Even the ground was covered with snow, making a soft “rustling” sound when stepped on, which was exceptionally clear due to the extreme quietness.
“This is ‘Congealed Snow Stone’ from the Extreme Ice Country, which condenses water into snow to nurture the One-Leaf Flower,” the envoy explained. “Without the Master of Go’s instruction, no one is allowed to enter this place.”
Yan Chu then understood the reason. She looked up, and the green leaf on the ice platform opposite was particularly striking. To her surprise, another identical jade basin was placed beside it.
Yan Chu said, “Two basins?”
The envoy smiled and reminded her, “Please look closely, Miss.”
Yan Chu walked to the ice platform and indeed found a difference. There was indeed a leaf in that jade basin, but it was only half a broken leaf, as if it had been snapped in the middle. Its verdant color had faded, and it was almost devoid of life.
“That one was raised by the Master of Go,” the envoy said. “It bloomed two hundred years ago, and was about to bear fruit, but who knew the flower was broken off overnight. Now it’s neither alive nor dead. Whether it can bloom again, we might only know in a hundred thousand years.”
The precious One-Leaf Flower was broken off, and the person who did it showed no mercy, not fearing to sever its life force, indicating that this matter was abnormal. Yan Chu couldn’t help but ask, “Who would dare offend the Eternal Realm?”
The envoy shook his head: “The Master of Go never mentions it.”
The two did not forget their main purpose and shifted their attention back to the intact flower. Yan Chu felt that the flower bud seemed to have grown a little since she last saw it. After she fed it blood, the envoy led her back along the plank path to the Go Cliff and personally escorted her out of the Eternal Realm.
Just as she was about to step out of the illusionary gate, Yan Chu inadvertently glanced back. She suddenly saw a woman in purple, seated in a wheelchair by the giant stone engraved with ancient seal script on the cliff edge. The woman held a round fan half-covering her face, looking at her coldly.
________________________________________
It was already night when she returned to the city. A rare heavy rain began to fall, washing the stone-paved streets and drenching the old trees. Pedestrians were scarce, and lights were dim, making the capital unusually quiet, with only the murmuring sound of rain.
On a dark, long street, Yan Chu walked alone.
Rain streamed down her hair and face. Her chest ached, and even with fire therapy, the pain only slightly lessened. Yan Chu exhaled, trying to control the drowsy feeling from excessive energy drain, and walked as steadily as possible. Fortunately, she had long grown accustomed to it over the past century, so it wasn’t hard to bear.
Turning a street corner, several dark figures flashed out, and sword light with a fiery glint swept towards her!
Martial artists possess an instinctive alertness. Yan Chu subconsciously dodged.
The wind from the blades surged, relentlessly pursuing her. The attackers were exceptionally fierce, and the powerful air current even cut through the rain curtain above.
Yan Chu, though startled, remained composed. As she dodged and prepared herself, she also clasped her delicate hand to her waist, where a strange blade unseen by anyone was hidden.
Assassins typically adopt a ruthless approach, aiming to complete their mission in the shortest time possible. However, although these individuals launched a sneak attack, their moves were extremely authentic, and their fighting style was more upright and honorable. Could it be...
Yan Chu’s heart stirred slightly, and she quickly withdrew her hand.
As expected, all of them were masters. Their palm forces transformed into mysterious light, intensifying their attacks, yet they still failed to harm her life.
Even so, Yan Chu was already finding it difficult to parry. She soon sustained an injury to her leg, forcing her to fall to the ground. Just as the firelight rushed towards her, another blade suddenly flew in from an angle. The two blades collided, and the assassin grunted, likely having had his tiger’s mouth (webbing between thumb and forefinger) shaken. Immediately after, a figure shielded Yan Chu.
Yan Chu, as if finding a savior, clutched the hem of the purple robe: “Prince Ding.”
It turned out that Xiao Qi had arrived just in time. Seeing the critical situation, he casually drew a sword from a nearby guard and threw it, just barely saving her life.
The assassins, seeing the unfavorable situation, retreated quickly and orderly. Xiao Qi signaled his guards to pursue, then turned back to look at Yan Chu.
Their gazes met. Yan Chu seemed to realize something and quickly released her grip, turning her face away and sitting on the ground, gasping for breath, her brows furrowed in pain. Her soaked clothes clung tightly to her body, and blood mixed with rainwater flowed continuously from her leg wound, making her look quite disheveled.
A trace of regret flashed in his eyes. Xiao Qi leaned down without thinking, tore a piece of cloth from his own robe, and bandaged her wound. Then, he took off his outer robe, wrapped her in it, and carried her away.
The long street in the rain was exceptionally silent. His steps were quick and steady. Reflected in the dim lights in the distance, rainwater continuously slid down his handsome face, and his firm contours softened considerably.
His concern must still be captivating, but knowing the truth, there wasn’t much emotion left.
Yan Chu, her face pale, rested weakly in his arms, asking, “Why did the Prince Ding come out?”
After a long time, Xiao Qi finally spoke, “Xi Luo had an old illness. Every time this kind of weather came, she would have heart pain, unable even to go out.”
“So you saw the weather change and came out looking for her?” Yan Chu forced a smile. “Not only do I not have heart pain, I can also fight. Now you should believe me, right?”
Though she said she wasn’t like her, her defiant personality was still similar. Xiao Qi lowered his gaze at her and said, “There aren’t many women who practice martial arts in the Flame Kingdom.”
Yan Chu said, “Wasn’t the Princess Consort one?”
Xiao Qi tightened his embrace around her, whispering, “In terms of martial arts and personality, you are far inferior to her. You only have a sharp tongue.”
Yan Chu said, “When a person dies, only their good qualities are remembered.”
As they spoke, the gates of the Prince Ding’s residence were already in sight. Xiao Qi simultaneously ordered someone to summon a skilled doctor and carried her towards the back garden. Just as they reached the garden gate, they encountered Liu Yu. Since moving into the residence, the two women hadn’t had much direct contact or conversation. Suddenly encountering this scene, Liu Yu’s expression changed somewhat.
Xiao Qi casually ordered, “She’s injured. You go back to your room first.”
Ignored for the first time, Liu Yu stared unhappily at Yan Chu. Coincidentally, the pair of phoenix eyes opposite her were also looking at Liu Yu, a deep smile blooming within them.
The woman who strikingly resembled Yue Xiluo lay contentedly in Xiao Qi’s arms, and intentionally or unintentionally, turned her face, found a safe angle, and slowly opened her mouth towards Liu Yu, like a beautiful serpent flicking its tongue, coiled around the man she loved most, challenging her.
Liu Yu sneered.
She never worried about these arrogant women. As long as this woman spoke in front of Xiao Qi, she was doomed to lose.
However, the beautiful serpent did not utter mocking words as expected; or rather, she didn’t utter a sound at all, merely maintaining that mouth shape, a clear mouth shape, forming a word that was utterly unbelievable.
Instantly, Liu Yu clenched the hand in her sleeve, gasping in horror, “Yue Xiluo!”
Seeing her openly call out Yue Xiluo’s name, Xiao Qi frowned and warned, “Yu’er!”
“It’s you,” Liu Yu still retreated step by step, staring at Yan Chu and trembling, “You are her, you... didn’t die!”
“Madam must be mistaken again,” Yan Chu naturally turned her face to examine Liu Yu, as if puzzled. “Does Madam not wish for the Princess Consort’s return?”
“Women are always respectful and fearful of ghosts and spirits,” Xiao Qi half-explained, half-reprimanded, “Liu Yu, go back to your room first!”
The direct address of “Liu Yu” was a warning. Liu Yu suddenly woke up, scrutinizing Yan Chu with surprise and doubt, wanting to confirm if what she had just seen was real or false. However, the beautiful, familiar face was now calm and expressionless, revealing nothing more.
Xiao Qi handed Yan Chu over to two maids, instructing them to first send her back to Maple Garden to await the doctor. After they left, he dismissed all the maids and turned to ask Liu Yu, “What happened?”
Liu Yu turned her face away, “Perhaps... I was mistaken. I thought she was Yue Xiluo.”
Xiao Qi said, “The one who wronged you wasn’t Xi Luo, it was me. She didn’t know of your existence before. We were the ones who failed her. Now that she’s gone, why do you still hate her so much?”
Liu Yu became agitated upon hearing this: “Yes, I’m jealous, so what! All these years, I could only meet you in secret, having a clandestine affair! What have I become? This is all her fault! She’s dead, yet her status is still above mine, and you still think of her! I’ve had enough!”
“Yu’er, calm down!” Xiao Qi grabbed her hand. “Her name is Yan Chu, not Xi Luo.”
Liu Yu flung her hand away, “Then why do you care so much? A mere dancer gets injured, and you feel the need to carry her?”
Xiao Qi released her, “Do I make you so uneasy?”
“I...” Liu Yu gradually calmed down, lowering her head to wipe away her tears. “I’m just afraid she’ll come back and drive me away.”
His long fingers wiped away her tears. Xiao Qi embraced her, “Nonsense. You were married to me by His Majesty’s decree, Yunze Liu Yu. Who can drive you away?”
“Really?” Liu Yu looked up at him, “No matter what happens, you won’t drive me away?”
A woman’s helpless, insecure appearance always softened a man’s heart, especially since she had sacrificed so much for him and needed his comfort. Xiao Qi averted his gaze, nodded, and said, “Don’t worry, I’m here for everything.”
Liu Yu finally smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Xiao Qi raised an eyebrow, lowered his head to kiss her delicate red lips, then scooped her up in his arms and walked towards the room.
________________________________________
Maple Garden, a single lamp glowed in the dark, rainy night. After seeing off the doctor, two maids applied medicine to her wound, and Hongye then brought a bowl of herbal concoction to the bed, softly calling, “Miss, it’s time for your medicine.”
Yan Chu opened her eyes: “You are quite diligent.”
Hongye said, “I came to this residence with the Princess Consort. Now that I see you, it’s like seeing the Princess Consort herself.”
Seeing her eyes red, Yan Chu chuckled, “I’m probably much harder to serve than the Princess Consort.”
“How can that be? Miss even offended the Madam for the Princess Consort just now, I heard all about it,” Hongye whispered, “From now on, Miss shouldn’t go out alone. Thankfully, His Majesty arrived in time today...”
Outside the window, the night rain beat against the pond, making Maple Garden seem even lonelier and more desolate.
Yan Chu closed her eyes and listened to the rain.
Even if he hadn’t arrived, nothing would have happened to her. The purpose of those “assassins” was simply to witness the Yue family’s sword techniques—a simple test.
Google Sites
Report abuse